Halorefine
Innovative biorefinery technology for valorization of plant-based biomass
Published online: 04.10.2022
Halorefine
Innovative biorefinery technology for valorization of plant-based biomass
Published online: 04.10.2022
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Innovative biorefinery technology for valorization of plant-based biomass
By Trine Reinholt Andersen, AAU Technology Transfer Office
Biorefining is fundamentally the process of utilizing biomass as completely and sustainably as possible for a range of applications. Common biomasses for biorefining are residual products from farmers such as wood, grass, slurry, and fertilizer but also biowaste from private households and food production.
Rather than utilizing the biomass in its raw form where only the most accessible components are exploited, the biomass can be refined into more valuable products to optimize the degree of utilization. However, today’s biorefinery technologies faces low economic feasibility due to technological limitations that leaves a large part of the refined biomass, including high-value phytochemicals, as an unexploited waste product. Furthermore, today’s biorefineries are predominantly fossil-based, lacking a sustainable solution suitable for the global green transition.
Based on years of research, the team from Halorefine, a spin-out from Aalborg University, have managed to develop a carbon neutral biorefinery solution able to fractionate biomass into multiple components to be utilized for new types of plant-based products and solutions.
A MODULAR, MOBILE, AND FUTURE-PROOF SOLUTION
The innovative multi-product biorefinery enables valorization of plant-based biomasses. Contrary to existing solutions, Halorefines technology is able to fractionate one type of biomass into multiple components which can be fed into different solutions and, thus, eliminate waste streams.
The technology is furthermore able to extract high-value bioactive phytochemicals from lignified plant biomass, normally deemed waste. Phytochemicals are compounds produced by plants, generally for the plant’s own protection to resist fungi, plant virus infections, and different bacteria. However, with a high antioxidant potential, phytochemicals are also believed to be able to offer a similar protection to humans and decrease the risk of some chronic diseases.
For animals, the phytochemicals can potentially substitute classic antibiotics if implemented as part of feed additives. It is highly relevant for e.g. farm and production animals or even in industrial aquaculture and, thus, could be key to solving the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
Applications such as plant-based biocides, textile, biopharma, and even biofuels are within reach as well with Halorefine’s breakthrough technology.
The fossil-free biorefinery is both modular and mobile, currently based in a 40 ft container, allowing it to operate locally and in circular systems around the world enabling more efficient value chain logistics.
HALOPHYTES – A PLANT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, ANIMALS, AND THE GREEN TRANSITION
Halorefine was founded in January 2022 by Professor Mette Hedegaard Thomsen from AAU Energy at Aalborg University’s Esbjerg section and CEO Henrik Tribler.
Based on years of research within biorefining of saltwater plants and low-value surplus biomasses, Mette Hedegaard and her team of researchers discovered how phytochemicals extracted from bio-active plant substances can be beneficial in a range of applications.
The focal point of the research has been “Salicornia ramosissima”, an annual halophytic plant also known as Glasswort. The small, yet highly resistant plant, thrives in saline environments, such as seacoasts and salt marshes and holds a great potential within both health-promoting and sustainable products – ranging from plant extracts that prevent disease, to jet fuel.
One example of application is chronic skin diseases – read about sister company Haloderma and their phyto-active skin care products here.
Halorefine have so far been part of two R&D project within the HORIZON Europe framework – the 11 mio Euros AQUACOMBINE project (2019-2023) focusing on innovative aquaculture tools for disease prevention, and IGNITION, a 5 mio Euros project (2022-2026) centered around the Salicornia plant to be used in aquaponics for vegetable and fish production.
THE COMMERCIALIZATION PROCESS
AAU Technology Transfer Office has worked closely with Professor Mette Hedegaard Thomsen, and later also CEO Henrik Tribler, in the transition from research project to commercial case, including visualization of the product and clarification of possible IPR rights.
The team has received sparring and guidance regarding the development of the company's business model, protection of IP, technology licensing, pitch training, funding opportunities and networks that have created a match with external parties.
As part of the process towards patenting and commercializing the technology, AAU Energy have supported Mette Hedegaard Thomsen’s team with a DKK 500.000 PoC project to further validate the technology, and test multiple types of biomasses, which may be promising for future products. Further, the current biorefinery used by Halorefine was developed and housed at AAU Energy in Esbjerg as part of the AQUACOMBINE project, providing the company with their first production facility, helping accelerating growth and bringing high value products in the market.